JP2005313488A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can enhance the energy saving effect by reducing the number of times of returning from an energy saving mode, and can also avoid the trouble over a printing job desired to be printed in real time. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus with both hardware resources used in an image formation process and a program for carrying out the image formation process is equipped with a means for shifting the apparatus to the energy saving mode if the image forming apparatus is in an unused state, a means for storing printing data at a time point when the printing job is generated, a means for printing the printing data by returning the image forming apparatus if predetermined conditions are satisfied, and a means for carrying out printing of the printing job by returning the image forming apparatus at a time point when the printing job required to be printed in real time is generated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus with improved energy saving effect.

  Since an image forming apparatus typified by a copier has been turned on for a long time, there is a great need for reducing power consumption. In particular, since there are many recently functioning as network compatible printers and facsimiles, the need for power consumption reduction is even higher without turning off the power at night.

  For this reason, conventionally, when the image forming apparatus is not in use, it automatically shifts to the energy saving mode (power save mode). The energy saving mode is canceled by a key operation for the user to start copying or by inputting a print job via the network, and a printing operation is performed.

  As described above, conventionally, when an image forming apparatus is not in use, it automatically shifts to the energy saving mode, and the printing is performed immediately after the energy saving mode is canceled by inputting a print job or the like. Depending on the environment, there are cases where the return operation from the energy saving mode is frequently performed, and since the power consumption is larger than that in the steady state, the energy saving effect is not sufficient.

  On the other hand, it is considered effective to increase the energy saving effect by reducing the number of times to return from the energy saving mode by accumulating print jobs once and printing them together later. It is envisaged that inconvenience will occur for what is desired to be printed on.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to increase the energy saving effect by reducing the number of times of return from the energy saving mode, and to print in real time. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of avoiding inconvenience associated with a print job.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, in the present invention, as described in claim 1, in an image forming apparatus having hardware resources used in image forming processing and a program for performing image forming processing, Means for shifting to an energy saving mode when the image forming apparatus is not in use, means for storing print data when a print job occurs, and returning the image forming apparatus when a predetermined condition is satisfied And a means for printing the print data and a means for returning the image forming apparatus and printing the print job when a print job requiring real-time printing occurs.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the print job requiring real-time printing can be set for each application type.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the application type may be any one of facsimile, copy, and printer.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined condition may be a case where the accumulated print data reaches a predetermined number.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined condition may be a case where a predetermined time is reached.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the print data is stored, power can be supplied only to relevant portions in the image forming apparatus.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when the print data is based on a copy operation, power can be supplied only to the controller unit, the scanner engine unit, and the operation unit.

  In addition, as described in claim 8, when the print data is based on a print job via a network or facsimile reception via a telephone line, power can be supplied only to the controller unit.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving mode, it is possible to stop the power supply other than the part in the controller unit that accepts the print job via the network or the facsimile reception via the telephone line.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, power can be supplied only to the controller unit and the print engine unit when returning when the predetermined condition of the image forming apparatus is satisfied.

  In addition, as described in claim 11, it is possible to sort the paper printed when the image forming apparatus is returned for each print job.

  Further, as described in claim 12, sorting can be performed by a sorter or a finisher.

  Further, as described in claim 13, sorting can be performed by rotating and outputting a sheet for each job.

  Further, as described in the fourteenth aspect, sorting can be performed by outputting left and right sheets for each job.

  Further, as described in the fifteenth aspect, sorting can be performed by inserting identifiable paper at the boundary of the paper for each job.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, other accumulated print data can be printed following the printing of the print data corresponding to the print job for which real-time printing is required.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to designate a day of the week and / or a time zone for printing other accumulated print data following the printing of the print data.

  A method for controlling printing in an image forming apparatus having hardware resources used in the image forming process and a program for performing the image forming process, wherein the image forming apparatus includes the image forming apparatus. When the printer is in an unused state, a step of shifting to the energy saving mode, a step of storing print data when a print job occurs, and the image forming apparatus is returned when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the print It can be configured as a print control method comprising a step of printing data and a step of returning the image forming apparatus and printing the print job when a print job requiring real-time printing occurs. .

  In the present invention, it is possible to increase the energy saving effect by reducing the number of times of returning from the energy saving mode, and to avoid inconvenience by enabling printing immediately for print jobs that are desired to be printed in real time. be able to.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 includes a controller unit 2 that controls the entire image forming process, an operation unit 3 that serves as an interface with a user, and a scanner engine unit 4 that reads an image from a document. The printer includes a print engine unit 5 that performs printing on paper, and a power source unit 6 that supplies power to each unit.

  The controller unit 2 includes a CPU 21 that performs main control, a controller ASIC 22 that controls each unit under the control of the CPU 21, a scanner processing unit 23 that acquires image data from the scanner engine unit 4, and the print engine unit 5. A print processing unit 24 that transmits image data to the HDD, an HDD 25 that stores image data, a memory 26 that serves as a software work area, and a process for control of shifting to an energy saving mode, return printing, etc. A timer 27 that counts time, a network I / F 28 that accepts a print job or the like given via a network, and a facsimile I / F 29 that sends and receives facsimiles and the like via a telephone line are provided. The operation unit 3 includes an LCD 31 serving as a display unit and hard keys 32 for inputting commands.

  FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram of a plurality of modes of the image forming apparatus 1. In order to increase the energy saving effect, power supply from the power supply unit 6 to each unit is controlled under the control of the controller unit 2, and according to the state of the device. The mode is changed. In FIG. 2, the power OFF mode M1 in a state where power supply to each part of the device is stopped, the energy saving mode M2 in a state where power is supplied to a part of the controller unit 2, and the state where power is supplied to the entire device. Full load power supply mode M3, scanner / operation unit power supply mode M4 in a state where power is supplied to a portion necessary for scanner operation (including accumulation of image data) during copying, and power supply to a portion required for printing The state print power supply mode M5 is shown. It should be noted that the power supply control portion may be further subdivided and controlled to a finer mode.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a power supply state in the energy saving mode M2, in which power is supplied to only a part of the CPU 21, controller ASIC 22, memory 26, timer 27, network I / F 28, facsimile I / F 29, etc. in the controller unit 2. Yes. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a power supply state when accumulating image data for print / facsimile in the energy saving mode M2, and power is supplied to the entire controller unit 2 including the HDD 25 in order to store image data. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a power supply state in the scanner / operation unit power supply mode M4, and power is supplied to each unit except the print engine unit 5. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a power supply state in the print power supply mode M5, in which power is supplied to each unit except the operation unit 3 and the scanner engine unit 4.

  In FIG. 2, the transition between the modes is performed as follows.

  First, when the main power supply is turned on, the power supply OFF mode M1 is shifted to the full load power supply mode M3 through the energy saving mode M2. In the full-load power supply mode M3, when the operation unit 3, the scanner engine unit 4, and the print engine unit 5 are not used for a predetermined time or longer, the unused timer operates and shifts to the energy saving mode M2. In addition, when the main power supply is turned off in the full load power supply mode M3, the power saving mode M2 is entered and the power supply OFF mode M1 is entered.

  On the other hand, if the print engine unit 5 has not been used for a predetermined time or longer in the full-load power supply mode M3, the print unused timer operates to shift to the scanner / operation unit power supply mode M4. When a return printing condition described later is satisfied in the scanner / operation unit power supply mode M4, the full load power supply mode M3 is entered.

  When the scanner return key is turned on in the energy saving mode M2, the mode shifts to the scanner / operation unit power supply mode M4. When the operation unit 3 and the scanner engine unit 4 have not been used for a predetermined time or longer in the scanner / operation unit power supply mode M4, the scanner / operation unit unused timer operates to shift to the energy saving mode M2. Further, when the main power supply is turned off in the scanner / operation unit power supply mode M4, the power-off mode M1 is entered through the energy saving mode M2.

  When the return printing condition is satisfied in the energy saving mode M2, the print power supply mode M5 is entered. When the print engine unit 5 has not been used for a predetermined time or longer in the print power supply mode M5, the print unused timer operates and shifts to the energy saving mode M2. Further, when the main power supply is turned off in the print power supply mode M5, the power supply mode M1 is entered through the energy saving mode M2.

  When the scanner return key is turned on in the print power supply mode M5, the full load power supply mode M3 is entered. When the operation unit 3 and the scanner engine unit 4 have not been used for a predetermined time or longer in the full-load power supply mode M3, the scanner / operation unit unused timer operates to shift to the print power supply mode M5.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a print start condition. That is, in the first embodiment, in order to enhance the energy saving effect, when the device is not in use, the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode, and printing is performed in real time like a facsimile when a print job is generated. Unless immediate printing is specified for the print job of the desired application, print data is stored in the energy-saving mode and printing is resumed from the energy-saving mode when the specified print start condition is satisfied. Like to do. As a print start condition, the case where the accumulated number reaches the predetermined number and the case where the predetermined time is reached can be set.

  FIG. 7A shows an operation for setting a print start condition depending on the number of accumulated sheets. By selecting “accumulated print number” as shown in the screen D2 from the print start condition setting screen D1 of the operation unit 3, FIG. In D3, “print start set number” is set.

  FIG. 7B shows an operation for setting the print start condition according to the time. By selecting “time designation” as shown in the screen D5 from the print start condition setting screen D4 of the operation unit 3, the screen D6 is displayed. Set “Print Start Time”.

  FIG. 7C shows an operation for selecting the set print start condition. By selecting one or both from the condition selection screen D7 as the screen D8, the set print start condition is valid. It becomes.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an application in the image forming apparatus 1. An engine (hardware) such as a scanner engine unit, an engine I / F, an OS, a resource management module, an API, a copy application, a printer application , A FAX application, a scanner application, and the like are arranged.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting of an application for immediate printing. In the application illustrated in FIG. 8, one or more of a copy, a facsimile (FAX), and a printer that directly print is set as a target for immediate printing. can do. That is, in FIG. 9, by selecting a desired application, for example, “FAX” from the screen D9 of the immediate print setting of the operation unit 3 as shown in the screen D10, an application to be immediately printed is set.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a return printing determination process when image data is received. In FIG. 10, processing is started when image data is generated (step S1). When image data is received (step S2), image data is stored (step S3). Here, the print job via the network or the facsimile reception print job via the telephone line is stored in the HDD 25 under the energy saving mode M2 shown in FIG. 4, and the print job by the copy operation is shown in FIG. / Accumulating in the HDD 25 under the operation unit power supply mode M4.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the received and accumulated image data is an application that is desired to be printed in real time designated for immediate printing (step S4). If so, a return operation is performed (step S5). The print job is executed to perform printing (step S6), the mode is again shifted to the energy saving mode (step S12), and the process is terminated (step S13).

  On the other hand, if it is not an application for which immediate printing is designated, it is determined whether or not the print start condition is satisfied, that is, whether or not the number of stored image data has reached a predetermined number (step S7). Here, when the print start condition is not satisfied, the energy saving mode is maintained (step S12), and the process is ended (step S13).

  When the print start condition is satisfied, a return operation is performed (step S8), and a print job is executed to perform printing (step S9). Here, the printing process is performed under the print power supply mode M5 shown in FIG.

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is still a print job (step S10). If there is a print job, sorting is performed so that the printed paper for each print job is not mixed (step S11), and then the print job is executed. Then, printing is performed (step S9). Then, when there is no print job, the mode again shifts to the energy saving mode (step S12), and the process is terminated (step S13).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing periodic return printing determination processing by a timer. In FIG. 11, the process is periodically started by a timer (step S21), and it is determined whether or not a print start condition is satisfied, that is, whether or not a set predetermined time has been reached (step S22). If the print start condition is not satisfied, the energy saving mode is maintained (step S28), and the process ends (step S29).

  On the other hand, if the print start condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not there is a print job (step S23). If not, the energy saving mode is maintained (step S28), and the process ends (step S29).

  If there is a print job, a return operation is performed (step S24), and the print job is executed for printing (step S25). Then, it is determined whether or not there is still a print job (step S26). If there is a print job, sorting is performed so that printed paper for each print job is not mixed (step S27), and then the print job is executed. Then, printing is performed (step S25). Then, when there is no print job, the mode again shifts to the energy saving mode (step S28), and the process is ended (step S29).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a relationship between time and power by a printing operation before improvement (conventional) shown for comparison, and FIG. 13 is a print when immediate printing is not performed in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between time and power by operation, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between time and power when immediate printing is performed for facsimile reception. That is, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 12, every time a print instruction is issued, the printer returns from the energy saving mode and prints the print job. Therefore, the number of times of return increases and the energy saving effect is not sufficient. In this regard, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when immediate printing is not designated, as shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), only the accumulation of image data is performed at the time when a printing instruction is given, and printing is performed. When the specified number of stored sheets is reached at the time of instruction or when the return time is reached, the printer returns from the energy-saving mode and prints all at once, so the number of returns will be greatly reduced, reducing the total power consumption. Can be reduced. Further, since image data accumulation and return printing are performed in a mode in which power is supplied only to the minimum necessary portion, the energy saving effect can be further enhanced.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, for example, when immediate printing is designated for a facsimile, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a printing instruction by a facsimile print job is immediately returned and printed. Therefore, there is no inconvenience that the arrival at the destination user is delayed.

  15 and 16 show specific examples of the sorting process (steps S11 and S27) in FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 15 shows an example of sorting by the sorter / finisher, and sheets printed for each print job are stored in individual bins in the finisher. FIG. 16 shows another example of sorting. (A) shows sorting by rotating printed paper by 90 degrees for each print job, and (b) shows printed paper for each print job. (C) shows sorting by inserting identifiable papers of different sizes and colors into the boundary portion of each printed job of printed paper (interleaf).

  Next, FIGS. 17 to 20 are for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention. That is, in the first embodiment described above, an application that is desired to be printed in real time is immediately restored and printed, and other print jobs are temporarily stored and then restored when a predetermined condition is satisfied. However, in a usage environment where many immediate print jobs occur and a large amount of image data is accumulated, there is a possibility that the number of restorations may increase and the energy saving effect will not be sufficient. Therefore, the countermeasure is taken.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a relationship between time and power by a printing operation before improvement. A copy print instruction (JOB1), a facsimile print instruction (JOB2), a print print instruction (JOB3), and a copy print instruction (JOB4). ) Continues, the facsimile printing instruction (JOB2) is immediately returned and printing is performed. Therefore, if the interval between the return printing in the subsequent copy printing instruction (JOB4) is short, an energy saving effect is obtained. not enough. Therefore, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, when a print instruction (JOB2) for which immediate printing is specified is generated and returned, the image data of the print job accumulated at that time is continuously displayed. Printing to reduce the number of returns and reduce the total power consumption. The other basic configuration in the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting of continuous printing to immediate printing. By selecting “YES” as in the screen D12 for the continuous printing setting screen D11 displayed on the operation unit 3, FIG. Continuous printing is enabled. When “NO” is selected as in the screen D13, the normal return printing start condition is displayed as in the screen D14.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a return printing determination process when image data is received. In FIG. 20, processing is started when image data is generated (step S31). When image data is received (step S32), image data is stored (step S33).

  Next, it is determined whether the received and accumulated image data is an application for which immediate printing is designated (step S34). If so, a return operation is performed (step S35), and a print job is executed to perform printing. This is performed (step S36). Then, it is determined whether or not there is an accumulated print job (step S40). If there is, a sorting is performed so that the printed paper for each print job is not mixed (step S41). To execute printing (step S39). Thereafter, when there is no print job, the mode again enters the energy saving mode (step S42), and the process is terminated (step S43).

  On the other hand, if the application is not an application for which immediate printing is specified, it is determined whether or not the print start condition is satisfied, that is, whether or not the number of stored image data has reached a predetermined number (step S37). If the print start condition is not satisfied, the energy saving mode is maintained (step S42), and the process is terminated (step S43).

  When the print start condition is satisfied, a return operation is performed (step S38), and a print job is executed to perform printing (step S39).

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is a print job (step S40). If there is a print job, sorting is performed so that printed paper for each print job is not mixed (step S41), and then the print job is executed. Then, printing is performed (step S39). Thereafter, when there is no print job, the mode again enters the energy saving mode (step S42), and the process is terminated (step S43).

  Next, FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention. That is, in the second embodiment described above, when continuous printing to immediate printing is set, continuous printing of unconditionally accumulated image data is performed, but in this third embodiment, The day of the week, time zone, etc. can be set as conditions for continuous printing. This makes it possible to concentrate printing of urgent print jobs on nights and holidays when there are no users, giving priority to printing urgent print jobs during the day, and reducing the number of return from energy-saving mode, The power consumption can be reduced.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of setting the day / time zone for continuous printing in the third embodiment. As shown in the screen D16 for the continuous printing setting screen D15 displayed on the operation unit 3, “YES” is shown. ”Is selected, and the day of the week and the time zone are set as conditions for continuous printing as in the screen D17.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a return printing determination process when image data is received. In FIG. 22, processing is started when image data is generated (step S51). When image data is received (step S52), image data is accumulated (step S53).

  Next, it is determined whether the received and accumulated image data is an application for which immediate printing is designated (step S54). If so, a return operation is performed (step S55), and a print job is executed to perform printing. This is performed (step S56). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the day and / or time zone, which is the continuous printing condition, is satisfied (step S57). If not satisfied, the mode is again shifted to the energy saving mode (step S63), and the process is terminated (step S63). Step S64).

  If the continuous printing conditions are satisfied, it is determined whether or not there is an accumulated print job (step S61), and if there is, the sorting is performed so that the printed paper for each print job is not mixed. (Step S62) Subsequently, a print job is executed to perform printing (Step S60). Then, when there is no print job, the mode again shifts to the energy saving mode (step S63), and the process is ended (step S64).

  On the other hand, if the application is not an application for which immediate printing is specified, it is determined whether or not the print start condition is satisfied, that is, whether or not the number of stored image data has reached a predetermined number (step S58). Here, if the print start condition is not satisfied, the energy saving mode is maintained (step S63), and the process is ended (step S64).

  When the print start condition is satisfied, a return operation is performed (step S59), and a print job is executed to perform printing (step S60).

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is still a print job (step S61). If there is a print job, sorting is performed so that printed paper for each print job is not mixed (step S62), and then the print job is executed. Then, printing is performed (step S60). After that, when there is no print job, the mode again shifts to the energy saving mode (step S63), and the process ends (step S64).

  The present invention has been described above by the preferred embodiments of the present invention. While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Obviously you can. In other words, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the details of the specific examples and the accompanying drawings.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a state transition diagram of a plurality of modes. It is a figure which shows the electric power feeding state in energy saving mode. It is a figure which shows the electric power feeding state at the time of image data accumulation | storage for print / fuck simiri in an energy saving mode. It is a figure which shows the electric power feeding state in a scanner / operation part electric power feeding mode. It is a figure which shows the electric power feeding state in print electric power feeding mode. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting of printing start conditions. It is a figure which shows the structure of an application. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting of the application which performs immediate printing. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the return printing judgment at the time of image data reception. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the periodic return printing judgment by a timer. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the time by the printing operation before improvement, and electric power. It is a figure which shows the relationship between time and electric power by printing operation at the time of not performing immediate printing in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between time and electric power at the time of performing immediate printing about facsimile reception. It is a figure which shows the example of the sorting by a sorter / finisher. It is a figure which shows the example of another classification. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the time by the printing operation before improvement, and electric power. It is a figure which shows the relationship between time and electric power by printing operation in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting of the continuous printing to immediate printing. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the return printing judgment at the time of image data reception. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting of the day / time zone of continuous printing in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the return printing judgment at the time of image data reception.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Controller part 21 CPU
22 Controller ASIC
23 Scanner Processing Unit 24 Print Processing Unit 25 HDD
26 Memory 27 Timer 28 Network I / F
29 Facsimile I / F
3 Operation section 31 LCD
32 Hard Key 4 Scanner Engine 5 Print Engine 6 Power Supply

Claims (18)

In an image forming apparatus having hardware resources used in image forming processing and a program for performing image forming processing,
Means for shifting to an energy saving mode when the image forming apparatus is in an unused state;
Means for storing print data when a print job occurs;
Means for returning the image forming apparatus and printing the print data when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
An image forming apparatus comprising: means for returning the image forming apparatus when a print job requiring real-time printing occurs and printing the print job.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job requiring real-time printing can be set for each application type.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the application type is any one of a facsimile, a copy, and a printer.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where the accumulated print data has reached a predetermined number.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where a predetermined time is reached.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the print data is stored, power is supplied only to a relevant portion in the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the print data is based on a copy operation, power is supplied only to the controller unit, the scanner engine unit, and the operation unit.   7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the print data is based on a print job via a network or facsimile reception via a telephone line, power is supplied only to the controller unit.   9. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein in the energy saving mode, power supply to a portion other than a portion in the controller unit that accepts a print job via a network or a facsimile reception via a telephone line is stopped. apparatus.   10. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein power is supplied only to the controller unit and the print engine unit when returning when the predetermined condition of the image forming apparatus is satisfied. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a sheet printed when the image forming apparatus is returned is sorted for each print job.   12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein sorting is performed by a sorter or a finisher.   12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein sorting is performed by rotating and outputting a sheet for each job.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein sorting is performed by outputting left and right sheets for each job.   12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein sorting is performed by inserting an identifiable paper at a paper boundary for each job.   The image according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein another accumulated print data is printed following the printing of the print data corresponding to the print job for which real-time printing is required. Forming equipment.   17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a day of the week and / or a time zone for printing other accumulated print data subsequent to printing of the print data can be designated. A method for controlling printing in an image forming apparatus having hardware resources used in image forming processing and a program for performing image forming processing,
A step of shifting to an energy saving mode when the image forming apparatus is in an unused state;
Storing print data when a print job occurs;
A step of returning the image forming apparatus and printing the print data when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A printing control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a step of returning the image forming apparatus when a print job requiring real-time printing occurs and printing the print job.

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